The other day as I was waiting in car line to pick up Gabby from school, I witnessed the most bizarre sight. As I, along with other parents, waited patiently to pick up our cute, sweet, innocent children, the loud rumble from a Harley Davidson turned everyone's head. The man on the motorcycle pulled into the school parking lot and parked his bike. It was the father to one of the boys in Gabby's class. He hops off and walks into the school to get his son. Meanwhile, I'm thinking the same thing all of the other parents were thinking, was the father going to put his 4 year old son on the back of that motorcycle? Sure enough, he comes out of the school with his son, puts a helmet on the boy but not himself, helps the boy onto the bike, and they both drove off into the sunset. With my jaw dropped, I watched in disbelief.
Now, you know every parent talked about this unsual sighting over dinner that night. I came right home and called my friend who was also waiting in car line. We were puzzled as to why this parent thought that putting a 4 year old on the back of a motorcycle was a good idea. Maybe it's a "Mom" thing and we're just too over protective, but I just can't believe that a 4 year old understands and knows the rules to being a passenger on a motorcycle.
I did a little research to find out if the law in Pennsylvania requires a passenger to be a certain age, but couldn't find a darn thing. The only thing I found was the passenger needs to be told how to lean to the side while maneuvering a turn. So, help me out. If you are familiar with motorcycle laws, I'd like to know if this is allowed.
5 comments:
I don't know if it is allowed, but I do know my dad drove with me when I was that little. I rode in front of him, though. I used to fall asleep!!!! I can't believe it now that I am a Mom! What was my mom thinking?!?
Hey Tray - This is what I found for Pennsylvania:
Safety Helmet. not required by law
State Funded Rider Ed. available for all eligible applicants may waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed, may waive knowledge test for successful completion of rider ed
Eye Protection. required by law
Daytime Use of Headlight. modulating headlight permitted
Passenger Seat. required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Footrests. required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Age Restrictions. none
Helmet Speakers. to be used for communication purposes only
Periodic Safety Inspection. required by law
Mirror Left(L) Right(R). required by law for vehicles manufactured after 4/1/77
Radar Detector. no restriction
Wow after reading the church lady's comment, it looks like the state of Pa.has fewer restrictions then most states. I hope this little boy knows how to hold on tight.
I am glad you and the other parents were paying attention. This type of stuff happens all the time. You would be surprised to see the idiots out there on the roads do some of the most bizarre things. This 'parent' is apprently
irresponsible - but that is only my opinion, (a retired Police Officer)...
jlg
I still remember my first ride on a motorcycle when I was 5 years old. It was a Honda Goldwing and I'm sure I held on tight! Life is full of risks every day. Carley and Casey went for there first rides once their feet could reach the foot pegs. While the mom's were worried (that's their job) all the kids thought, How Cool!
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